Title
The Research Subject as Wage Earner
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2002
Source
Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics
Volume
23
Issue
4-5
First Page
359
Last Page
376
URL with Digital Object Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1021265824313
Abstract
The practice of paying research subjects for participating in clinical trials has yet to receive an adequate moral analysis. Dickert and Grady argue for a wage payment model in which research subjects are paid an hourly wage based on that of unskilled laborers. If we accept this approach, what follows? Norms for just working conditions emerge from workplace legislation and political theory. All workers, including paid research subjects under Dickert and Grady's analysis, have a right to at least minimum wage, a standard work week, extra pay for overtime hours, a safe workplace, no fault compensation for work-related injury, and union organization. If we accept that paid research subjects are wage earners like any other, then the implications for changes to current practice are substantial.
Notes
Dr. Charles Weijer is currently a faculty member at The University of Western Ontario.